Team of the week
The San Antonio Spurs have big ambitions for Victor Wembanyama's third NBA season. We expected to see them fighting for the play-offs, but the start of the season suggests they could do even better.
After three games and three wins, the Texans are top of the Western Conference - something to be put into perspective, of course - but the promise is real.
Three wins with at least 118 points scored, the best net rating in the NBA (+15.5), and a great ability to react to problems. Like last night, against the Nets, when they fell asleep after extending their lead to almost 30 points, before bouncing back at the end of the game like a team of veterans.
A sign of a team in the process of growing up, and united as one behind their leader.
Wembanyama wasted no time in launching his season. Some historic numbers (first player to reach 100 points and 15 assists after three games), a statement game from the outset by scoring 40 points against Anthony Davis, and an increasingly visible leadership attitude: the Alien is ready to conquer.
All that remains is to make this magnificent start to the season last.
Underperformers of the week
With Jayson Tatum injured, you wouldn't expect the Boston Celtics to be among the favourites for the NBA title. But there is theoretically a big gap between them and the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
However, after three games and three defeats, the alarm bells are already ringing, and we wonder how the season of the 2024 champions will turn out.
To illustrate the point, the C's have won seven of the 12 quarters played so far, but they have still gone down to the wire, as they did in the second quarter, where they were mauled 42-14 by the Knicks.
And even when Jaylen Brown - who had high expectations this season - scored 41 against the Pistons, it wasn't enough. Their ambitions have been revised, but they must not miss out on the play-offs...
Player of the week
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP title last season was the subject of much discussion, but it's impossible to ignore the Canadian's start to the season. With Jalen Williams sidelined, he literally carried his team to their first two wins in double overtime, with the victory over the Pacers being the masterpiece.
He scored a career-best 55 points against Indiana to win the much-anticipated rematch of the last NBA final. With an average of 40 points in three games, SGA is off to a great start, and they'll have to get behind the Canadian in their quest for back-to-back titles this season.
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Play of the week
This is one of the most spectacular pairings in the league. A pairing that often hits the highlight reels. Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon struck again. On the receiving end of an alley oop from the Joker, Gordon put away a spectacular 360° dunk that brought the Ball Arena to its feet.
Story of the week
As soon as the season got underway, the NBA was rocked by an affair it could have done without. In the space of a few minutes, Terry Rozier (Miami Heat) and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were arrested by the FBI as part of a major crackdown on sports betting linked to the Cosa Nostra!
Forbidden bets linked to his own situation for Rozier, illegal poker games for Billups: the case is huge. And it looks like it's anything but over, with more developments to come. Both have been suspended.
Rozier is currently out injured anyway, and Billups has been relieved of his coaching role in favour of Tiago Splitter.
We're waiting for more news, but if a bigger player were to be involved, the tremor could be seismic. In the meantime, Congress has demanded a swift explanation from Commissioner Adam Silver. To be continued...